The death toll from a devastating fire at Tuptup Resort beside the Marine Drive in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, has risen to six. The fire broke out around 7:00 am on Saturday (October 17).

The victims are believed to be tourists. However, identifying them has become difficult as their bodies were severely burned. The authorities have taken steps to conduct DNA tests to confirm their identities. A five-member investigation committee has been formed, headed by an additional deputy commissioner.

The deceased have been identified as Israt Jahan Maliha, 30, and Milita Mehezabin Alvi, 23, from Banasree in Dhaka; Laila Jahan Nabila, 27, and Nafista Mim, 27, from Khilgaon; and Fariha Kabir, 33, and Faizan Ahmed, 5, from Chuadanga.

Six people were injured in the incident. They are Mugda Medical College Hospital physician Shihab Uddin, 31, his wife Nafiza Newaz Khan, 29, Mannan, 34, Meherunnessa, 30, Masud, 30, and Samida, 32.

Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of the Cox’s Bazar Fire Service, confirmed the fire to Barta24.com. He said the resort had been completely gutted by the blaze, leaving it reduced to charred remains. Fire service personnel were conducting rescue operations at the scene.

Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Mannan said six bodies had been recovered and six people had been injured. The injured were admitted to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. Two were discharged after receiving initial treatment, while the remaining four were still undergoing treatment.

The deputy commissioner said the bodies would be handed over to the victims’ families after their identities were confirmed through DNA testing. He added that the authorities had not received any reports of missing persons so far.

He further said the exact cause of the fire could only be determined through an investigation. A committee comprising five to six members had been formed for this purpose.

After receiving reports of the fire, two units of the Fire Service rushed to the scene and began efforts to bring the blaze under control. The fire was partially brought under control later.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were not immediately known.